4
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

1 Introduction
and
Explanation
In
accordance
with
the
2010
Sonning
Deanery
Mission
Plan
the
two
parishes
St
James
Finchampstead
and
St
Mary
and
St
John
California
are
to
be
merged
into
a
single
parish
with
two
full
time
stipendiary
clergy:
a
Rector
and
an
Associate
Priest.
The
intention
is
for
the
post
of
Rector
to
be
filled
first
so
that
he/she
can
be
involved
in
the
appointment
of
the
Associate
Priest.
Both
PCCs
have
resolved
not
to
invoke
Resolutions
A
and
B.
The
existing
separate
parishes
have
worked
jointly
to
create
this
Parish
Profile.

2 Finchampstead:
The
Community
We
Serve
The
parishes
are
part
of
the
Sonning
Deanery
within
the
Diocese
of
Oxford.
Finchampstead
is
three
miles
South
of
Wokingham
in
Berkshire,
with
easy
access
to
the
M3
and
M4.
It
includes
both
residential
and
rural
areas
and
has
population
of
about
12,500
(based
on
the
2001
census),
consisting
mainly
of
commuting
and
locally
working
families
but
with
a
sizeable
retired
community.
The
area
is
largely
prosperous
but
with
pockets
of
deprivation.
Within
Finchampstead
there
are
local
shops,
several
restaurants,
a
public
house,
two
post
offices,
several
garages
and
two
GP
surgeries.
All
major
supermarkets
are
within
a
seven-­‐mile
radius.
There
are
two
major
NHS
hospitals,
one
in
Reading
and
one
in
Frimley.
Both
are
about
ten
miles
away.
Centrally
in
Finchampstead,
a
new
community
facility
has
been
built
by
Finchampstead
Baptist
Church
providing
a
sports
hall,
coffee
bar,
library,
children’s
centre
and
worship
area.
In
the
parishes
there
are
three
state
primary
schools,
one
of
which
is
a
Church
of
England
voluntary
aided
school.
Local
children
attend
secondary
schools
in
Wokingham,
Yateley,
Crowthorne
and
the
Church
of
England
voluntary
aided
Ranelagh
School
in
Bracknell,
all
of
which
are
highly
regarded.
There
are
a
number
of
private
schools
in
the
area.
Over
the
last
thirty
years
there
has
been
a
considerable
increase
in
population
and
this
is
expected
to
continue.
In
particular
the
recently
adopted
Wokingham
Borough
Core
Strategy
includes
a
large
development
based
around
the
Arborfield
Garrison
that
has
previously
been
declared
surplus
to
requirements.
A
significant
part
of
this
development
falls
within
the
parish
of
St
James;
on
the
current
plans
this
includes
1500-­‐2000
of
the
development
total
of
3500
houses,
a
secondary
school
and
district
centre
including
a
church
and
one
of
two
primary
schools.
Following
the
recent
Defence
Review
there
are
currently
question
marks
over
when
or
if
the
MoD
will
vacate
the
site,
however
the
PCC
at
St
James’
continues
to
participate
in
the
on-­‐going
planning
process,
and
hopes
to
be
able
to
work
with
the
parishes
of
Arborfield
and
Barkham,
and
other
Christian
groups
in
the
area
for
a
combined
vision
for
the
church
in
the
new
community
should
the
development
go
ahead.

5
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

3 What
Our
Two
Churches
Have
To
Offer
3.1 Worship
Worship
is
at
the
heart
of
our
church
life
and,
reflecting
the
diversity
of
our
church
communities,
we
offer
between
the
two
churches
a
wide
range
of
Church
of
England
liturgy:
Ø Weekly
Sunday
and
midweek
Holy
Communion
from
Common
Worship
Order
One.
Ø Three
times
a
month
non-­‐Eucharistic
family
services.
Ø Weekly
BCP
services;
either
Matins,
Evensong
or
Holy
Communion.
Ø A
monthly
Ministry
of
Healing
Service
Ø A
quarterly
Taizé
service.
Ø A
weekday
Morning
Prayers.
Ø A
monthly
informal
youth
worship.
3.2 Encouraging
Discipleship
Both
churches
aim
to
give
people
the
chance
to
hear
the
good
news
about
Jesus
and
to
deepen
their
Christian
faith.
We
do
this
through
courses,
house
meetings,
bible
study,
prayer
meetings
and
extensive
preparation
for
Confirmation.
3.3 Places
of
Worship
St
James’
Church
is
a
small
ancient
building,
started
in
the
12th
century
that
has
recently
undergone
extensive
conservation.
This
completed
a
decade
of
refurbishments
and
restorations
that
now
leaves
the
church
very
much
fit-­‐for-­‐purpose
for
many
generations
to
come.
There
is
seating
capacity
for
about
150
and
a
further
100
can
be
accommodated
in
the
Church
Centre
using
a
video
link.
Larger
services
have
recently
been
held
in
Wellington
College
Chapel
in
nearby
Crowthorne.
This
has
a
seating
capacity
of
700.
S T J AMES’ CHURCH

St
Mary
&
St
John’s
Church
has
met
for
the
last
thirty
years
in
the
hall
of
Gorse
Ride
Junior
School.
Funding
from
the
church
enabled
the
hall
to
be
enlarged
providing
space
for
a
sanctuary
with
two
stained
glass
windows
as
well
as
enlarging
the
school
entrance.
There
is
a
further
thirty
years
lease
agreement
with
the
school.
Regular
midweek
services
and
special
services
for
church
festivals
are
held
in
the
Parish
Centre.
The
capacity
of
the
Parish
Centre
is
50
and
the
school
hall
is
175.
S T M ARY & S T J OHN AT G ORSE R IDE
S CHOOL

6
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

3.4 Parish
and
Church
Centres
St
Mary
and
St
John’s
Parish
Centre
is
located
in
Vicarage
Close
and
was
purpose
built
in
2000.
It
has
a
small
hall
with
a
sanctuary,
a
quiet
room,
small
meeting
room,
kitchen,
toilets,
an
office
and
storage.
In
addition
to
being
used
for
worship,
parish
socials
and
meetings,
it
is
used
by
a
variety
of
local
organisations
whose
contributions
currently
cover
the
running
costs.
St
James’
Church
Centre
is
housed
in
an
early
20th
century
Manor
T HE P ARISH C ENTRE
House
that
was
bequeathed
to
the
church
and
to
which
a
modern
hall
was
added
about
twenty
years
ago.
The
facility
has
meeting
rooms,
an
office,
toilets,
kitchen
and
coffee
bar.
The
building
includes
four
flats
that
are
rented
out
as
a
source
of
revenue.
The
Centre
is
also
used
by
other
churches
and
organisations
in
the
Diocese,
for
Away
Days,
Quiet
Days,
and
by
members
of
the
congregation
for
family
T HE C HURCH C ENTRE
functions.
3.5 Rectory
and
Vicarage
St
James’
Rectory
is
in
the
semi
rural
area
known
as
Finchampstead
Village.
It
is
a
large
modern,
self-­‐
contained,
four
bed-­‐roomed
detached
house
in
its
own
grounds
and
is
located
about
one
mile
from
St
James’
Church.
St
Mary
and
St
John’s
Vicarage
is
situated
next
to
the
Parish
Centre
T HE R ECTORY
in
the
middle
of
the
major
residential
area
of
Finchampstead.
It
is
a
large
modern
four
bed-­‐roomed
detached
house
that
was
originally
purpose
built
to
provide
worship
space,
counselling
rooms
and
accommodation.
There
is
a
large
enclosed
private
garden
that
is
not
overlooked.
The
Vicarage
is
a
five-­‐minute
walk
from
Gorse
Ride
School.
T HE V ICARAGE

7
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

4 The
Church
Community
Both
parishes
strive
to
cater
for
a
broad
range
of
the
church
membership
by
providing
different
groups
and
activities.
Some
of
the
groups
such
as
the
Children’s
Ministry
and
Mothers’
Union
are
organised
independently
in
the
separate
parishes.
During
the
past
few
years,
a
number
of
activities
have
been
organised
together
such
as
Alpha,
Christianity
Explored
and
the
Men’s
Group.
Other
groups
are
exploring
the
opportunity
to
work
together
as
we
move
towards
becoming
one
parish.
Music
plays
a
large
role
in
both
Parishes;
at
St
James
S T J AMES CONGREGATION there
is
a
robed
choir
of
adults
and
children
numbering
about
thirty-­‐five.
The
choir
is
an
integral
part
of
all
main
services
and
is
led
by
a
paid
Director
of
Music.
They
have
also
sung
by
invitation
at
a
number
of
other
churches
including
Dorchester
Abbey
and
St
Albans
Cathedral.
St
Mary
and
St
John’s
has
a
choir
who
sing
at
some
Sunday
services
and
special
occasions.
A
newly
formed
music
group
of
adults
and
children
lead
the
music
at
the
monthly
Alive@11
all
age
service.
St
James’
Church
has
an
active
team
of
bell
ringers
who
ring
the
church’s
peal
of
six
bells
on
Sundays
and
special
occasions.
Our
churches
encourage
children
and
young
people
to
be
part
of
both
our
worship
and
our
Church
community.
Sunday
Clubs
are
run
during
Sunday
services
and
there
is
a
youth
group
at
St
James.
Young
people
take
an
active
part
as
altar
servers
in
both
churches.
St
Mary
and
St
John’s
has
approval
to
prepare
children
for
communion
before
confirmation
and
has
run
two
courses.
St
James’
has
discussed
this
in
the
past
but
has
not
taken
it
further.
St
James
has
sought
to
broaden
the
range
of
voices
the
congregation
hears
through
inviting
a
range
of
high
profile
outside
speakers.
Primarily
these
are
invited
during
a
series
of
evening
talks
during
Lent,
but
the
church
has
held
stand
alone
and
shorter
lecture
series
at
other
times
in
the
year
as
required.
Sessions
have
also
been
offered
allowing
the
church
community
to
S T M ARY & S T J OHN CONGREGATION
discuss
controversial
and
potentially
divisive
issues.
St
James
has
organised
a
variety
of
pilgrimages
and
trips
for
its
congregation
and
beyond,
some
of
which
have
had
a
profound
spiritual
effect
on
those
who
participated
and
have
influenced
the
life
of
the
Church
as
a
whole.
Young
people
from
the
Church
have
been
to
the
Taizé
Community
in
France,
a
group
also
went
to
Santiago
de
Compostela
in
Spain
to
follow
the
Way
of
St
James,
and
more
recently
the
youth
group
have
made
two
pilgrimages
to
the
Iona
Community
in
Scotland.
8
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

Groups
from
the
churches
have
also
attended
Spring
Harvest,
Yellow
Braces
and
Greenbelt.
Both
churches
offer
a
broad
range
of
social
events
throughout
the
year.
These
encourage
the
congregations
and
the
wider
community
to
enjoy
fellowship
and
some
raise
funds
for
the
churches
as
well
as
for
outreach
projects.
Additionally
the
churches
have
independently
and
together
held
a
number
of
quiet
days.
A
list
of
groups
at
both
churches
can
be
found
in
section
9.7
Church
Groups
on
page
20.

5 How
We
Work
5.1 Parish
Staff
As
part
of
the
pastoral
reorganisation
provision
has
been
made
for
two
full
time
stipendiary
posts.
Following
the
appointment
of
the
Rector
designate
an
Associate
Priest
will
be
appointed,
a
process
in
which
the
Rector
designate
will
be
invited
to
participate.
Alongside
these
posts
the
current
ministry
teams
are
as
follows:
The
team
at
St
James
includes
a
half
time
Non
Stipendiary
Associate
Priest
and
a
Eucharistic
Lay
Minister.
There
is
also
a
retired
Licensed
Lay
Minister/Reader
and
a
retired
Priest
who
take
services
on
an
occasional
basis.
St
James
has
been
encouraging
lay
members
of
the
congregation
to
explore
their
vocations,
and
several
take
occasional
services
or
have
preached,
and
are
participating
in
the
Diocesan
training
schemes.
One
is
currently
on
the
Ordinand
programme
and
is
expected
to
be
ordained
at
Petertide,
having
been
provisionally
appointed
to
the
parish
as
a
Non
Stipendiary
Associate
Curate.
The
Chaplain
of
Wellington
College
and
his
family
are
members
of
St
James
and
the
Chaplain
has
taken
occasional
services
before
and
during
the
vacancy
when
his
duties
at
Wellington
allow.
St
Mary
and
St
John
have
a
retired
Priest
who
has
taken
on
many
of
the
services
during
the
vacancy.
In
addition
there
is
a
lay
team
that
prepares
and
participates
in
the
Alive
@
11
all
age
services.
Both
Churches
encourage
lay
participation
in
worship
and
have
readers,
intercessors,
chalice
administrators,
altar
servers
and
sidespeople.
St
James
has
a
paid
part-­‐time
Parish
Administrator
in
the
Church
Office,
supported
by
a
number
of
volunteers.
St
Mary
and
St
John
rely
on
a
number
of
volunteers
for
their
administration.
5.2 Committee
structures
Both
parishes
currently
have
their
own
PCC
and
Standing
Committee.
Each
committee
normally
meets
six
times
a
year
on
alternate
months.
The
PCCs
have
delegated
the
day-­‐to-­‐day
work
to
a
number
of
committees
that
focus
on
different
areas.
Each
member
of
the
PCC
is
encouraged
to
join
one
of
the
committees
that
also
draw
membership
from
the
wider
Church
Community.
There
are
two
Churchwardens
at
each
Church.
A
full
list
of
committees
at
the
two
churches
can
be
found
in
section
9.6
Committees
List
on
page
19.
9
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

5.3 Pastoral
Teams
Both
churches
have
lay
participation
in
pastoral
work
through
Pastoral
Teams.
At
St
Mary
and
St
John
the
focus
is
primarily
church
based,
in
particular
through
the
monthly
healing
service.
At
St
James
the
approach
is
community
based
through
pastoral
visiting.
In
both
parishes
the
clergy
or
a
Eucharistic
Lay
Minister
take
Holy
Communion
to
local
care
homes
and
to
individuals
who
are
unable
to
attend
services.
5.4 FairTrade
and
Eco
Congregation
Care
for
God’s
world
is
an
important
aspect
of
the
way
St
Mary
and
St
John’s
church
works.
The
Green
team
has
led
the
way
in
a
number
of
environmental
projects,
such
as
recycling
and
a
FairTrade
fun
day
in
Gorse
Ride
Infant
School.
As
a
result
of
the
many
initiatives
the
church
was
awarded
the
Eco
Congregation
award
in
2009.
St
Mary
and
St
John
is
a
FairTrade
Church
and
where
possible
adopts
L.O.A.F.
(local,
organic,
animal-­‐friendly
and
fairly
traded)
principles
at
events.
St
James
is
also
a
FairTrade
church
and
encourages
recycling.

6 Mission
and
Outreach
Both
churches
have
over
the
years
had
a
strong
emphasis
in
their
work
in
reaching
out
into
the
local
community
and
the
world.
The
PCCs
each
year
allocate
10%
of
their
free
will
offering
to
mission
and
Christian
charities,
which
is
discussed
in
section
9.2
Mission
and
Charitable
Giving
on
page
15.
The
churches
run
a
weekly
Mother
and
Toddler
group
(Fledgelings)
and
a
twice
monthly
Tea
and
Chat
group
which
incorporates
an
Older
Peoples
Forum
every
eight
weeks.
These
groups
are
for
the
benefit
of
the
whole
B ISHOP S TEPHEN WITH THE
F LEDGELINGS
community.
St
Mary
and
St
John’s
local
outreach
focuses
on
the
two
schools;
Gorse
Ride
Infants
and
Gorse
Ride
Juniors
where,
for
the
last
six
years,
the
church
has
designed,
set
up
and
facilitated
a
Labyrinth.
Each
year
this
provides
150
children
the
opportunity
to
journey
through
the
Labyrinth
and
learn
about
Christian
Faith
and
prayer.
The
Clergy
are
invited
to
lead
an
assembly
in
both
schools
each
term
and
there
are
termly
liaison
meetings
with
the
Heads.
C HILDREN P ARTICIPATING IN THE
LABYRINTH Finchampstead
Church
of
England
(aided)
Primary
school
has
strong
links
with
St
James’
Church.
There
are

10
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

twice
termly
whole
school
communion
services
held
either
in
the
church
or
school
and
a
member
of
the
congregation
takes
weekly
assemblies.
Both
churches
actively
participate
in
their
link
school’s
fairs.
St
James
holds
a
church
fete
every
other
year
on
the
Memorial
Park
in
the
village
alternating
with
the
village
fete.
St
Mary
and
St
John
have
strong
links
with
the
Community
Development
Worker
employed
by
the
Borough
Council
and
organise
joint
events
such
as
Carols
in
the
Community
that
also
involves
the
Gorse
Ride
Junior
School
Choir.
Both
churches
look
upon
baptisms,
weddings
and
funerals
as
opportunities
for
outreach
and
actively
support
the
families
involved
and
encourage
them
to
come
to
main
and
specific
special
services
during
the
year.

11
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

7 Vision
and
Goals
The
two
parishes
have
had
their
own
visions,
as
described
below.
The
emphases
have
been
different,
reflecting
the
culture
and
size
of
the
church
communities.
In
preparing
this
profile
the
writing
team
has
been
encouraged
to
discover
that
there
is
already
much
in
common
and
many
areas
in
which
our
thoughts
for
the
future
could
agree.
A
key
task
for
the
new
incumbent
will
be
to
take
a
leading
role
to
develop
a
new
vision
for
the
combined
parish.
7.1 The
St
Mary
and
St
John
Vision
“ALIVE
WITH
CHRIST;
Know
it,
pray
it,
share
it”
At
St
Mary
&
St
John
we
seek:
Ø To
know
the
love
of
God
the
FATHER
Ø To
pray
in
faith
in
the
name
of
JESUS
Ø To
share
what
God
has
done
for
us
in
the
power
of
the
Holy
SPIRIT
Currently
St
Mary
and
St
John
are
working
towards:
Ø Developing
and
growing
the
Alive@11
all
age
service.
Ø Encouraging
spiritual
growth
and
prayer
in
our
young
people.
Ø Developing
more
people
to
lead
services,
home
groups
and
other
teams
Ø Encouraging
more
people
to
take
advantage
of
the
many
opportunities
for
individuals
to
explore
and
develop
their
faith.
Ø Continuing
to
make
a
difference
in
the
world
and
local
community
through
our
green
initiative,
charitable
giving
and
closer
links
with
existing
groups
in
our
local
community.
7.2 The
St
James
Vision
St
James
strives
to
be
a
broad
and
inclusive
church
with
an
electoral
roll
and
attendance
that
defines
us
as
one
of
the
larger
church
communities
in
the
diocese.
The
capacity
limitations
of
the
building
have
in
part
led
to
the
diversity
and
inclusivity
that
is
now
such
a
valued
part
of
our
church
life.
We
maintain
a
viable
BCP
congregation
and
well
attended
family
services
alongside
the
weekly
Eucharistic
tradition.
We
value
the
breadth
and
inclusivity
of
our
worship,
theology
and
churchmanship.
We
feel
our
diversity
and
differences
explored
together
in
a
prayerful
environment
strengthen
our
faith.

12
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

The
Away
Day
in
2008
identified
our
three
key
priorities
as:
Ø More
focus
on
God
and
Christ,
and
energised
by
the
Holy
Spirit
Ø Reaching
out
to
the
community
and
developing
greater
links
Ø Teenage
Youth
Since
then
we
have
taken
a
number
of
initiatives
in
each
of
these
areas:
Ø Working
on
Sustaining
the
Sacred
Centre.
Ø Making
progress
with
our
Youth
Group
that
is
now
growing,
and
taking
the
leading
role
in
planning
a
main
service
once
a
quarter
alongside
their
own
monthly
services.
Ø Succeeding
in
developing
stronger
links
with
our
local
community.
In
addition
to
these
areas
of
focus
we
aim
to
continue
to
enhance
what
we
offer
families,
recognising
that
many
of
those
who
attend
our
Family
Services
have
little
previous
church
background.
We
are
also
aware
that
we
need
to
make
better
provision
for
the
8
to
11
year
olds
for
whom
the
family
service
format
is
no
longer
appropriate.
We
are
currently
working
on
this.
7.3 Our
Joint
Vision
for
the
Immediate
Future
of
the
Merged
Parishes
Ø To
share
best
practice,
using
our
skills
and
resources
across
both
churches
to
enhance
all
aspects
of
the
Church
community.
Ø To
work
towards
unity,
whilst
maintaining
the
distinct
personality
of
each
church.
Ø To
identify
where
there
is
unnecessary
duplication
in
order
that
resources
may
be
better
utilised.
Ø To
explore
a
way
forward
working
with
and
alongside
the
resurgent
Finchampstead
Baptist
Church
and
their
new
Pastor
for
a
combined
vision
of
the
Christian
community
in
the
area.

13
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

8 The
Qualities
and
Attributes
of
the
Incumbent
Ø A
spiritual
leader
who
can
demonstrate
an
ability
to
manage
a
large
parish,
who
has
had
experience
of
change
management,
who
is
comfortable
working
collaboratively
with
a
team,
and
who
is
able
to
develop,
inspire
and
communicate
with
ease.
Ø A
person
who
is
comfortable
with,
and
willing
to
support
and
enhance
our
diversity
in
churchmanship,
theology
and
styles
of
worship.
Ø An
enthusiastic
representative
of
God
as
an
inspiring
preacher,
teacher
and
pastoral
leader,
both
within
the
church
and
the
wider
community.
Ø A
good
facilitator,
who
will
handle
conflict
in
order
to
maintain
unity
in
times
of
change.
Ø A
person
with
a
passion
to
grow
all
aspects
of
the
Church,
to
progress
a
clear
vision
for
the
future.
Ø A
person
who
can
lead
by
suggesting
possibilities
and
encouraging
people
and
who
is
comfortable
in
varied
social
situations.
Ø A
person
with
a
deep
spiritual
life,
who
is
disciplined
in
spending
time
in
private
prayer,
study
and
personal
development.
Ø A
person
who
is
self-­‐aware,
who
can
identify
his/her
own
strengths
and
weaknesses
and
who
will
delegate
and
seek
assistance
where
appropriate.

14
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

9 Appendices
9.1 Parish
Map
The
following
map
shows
the
boundaries
of
the
existing
parishes
with
the
locations
of
St
James’
and
Gorse
Ride
School
marked.

15
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

20%
to
Mityana
Charity
in
Uganda,
amongst
other
projects
we
have
supported
the
sinking
of
a
borehole
and
providing
bicycles
for
lay
ministers.
The
remainder
of
the
giving
has
been
split
80%
to
Christian
Charities
(St
Stephen
Society
in
Hong
Kong,
Church
Pastoral
Aid
Society,
Acorn
Christian
Foundation)
and
20%
to
Secular
Charities
(Berkshire
MS
Society,
Bracknell
Samaritans,
Finchampstead
&
Barkham
Relief
in
Sickness,
Wokingham
&
District
Cancer
Care).
During
the
periods
of
Advent,
Lent
and
Harvest,
a
charity
is
chosen
to
support.
The
church
endeavours
to
support
both
local
and
overseas
charities
such
as
Readifood
and
Water
Aid
and
charities
where
there
are
personal
links
such
as
with
Jackie
Pullinger
of
the
St
Stephen’s
Society
in
Hong
Kong,
Grandsons
of
Abraham
in
Kenya
and
the
Mityana
Charity
in
Uganda.
The
young
people
have
organised
projects
that
have
included
making
and
selling
lemonade
with
the
proceeds
used
to
provide
goats
for
Africa
and
making
theatre
gowns
for
the
Blue
Peter
Operation
Smile
Appeal.
In
addition
each
year
we
support
Christian
Aid
through
house-­‐to-­‐house
collections,
a
street
collection
and
an
annual
‘Quiz
Aid’
social
event
and
the
Children’s
Society
through
our
Christingle
service.
At
St
James
the
PCC
has
decided
for
the
last
two
years
to
concentrate
the
majority
of
its
10%
giving
(see
section
6
above)
on
four
main
charities
(Bible
Society,
Church
Urban
Fund,
Churches
In
Reading
Drop
In
Centre
and
our
link
Diocese
of
Kimberley
&
Kuruman
in
South
Africa.)
and
to
encourage
church
involvement
by
publicity
and
by
inviting
speakers
from
the
organisations
involved.
For
four
years
St
James
has
been
twinned
with
St
Matthew’s
Church
in
Kimberley
and
has
formed
a
special
link
with
the
Pre-­‐school
that
operates
in
its
grounds.
At
present
the
church
sponsors
five
children
who
would
not
otherwise
be
able
to
afford
this
education.
The
head
teacher
keeps
the
church
up
to
date
on
the
progress
of
the
children.
Some
of
the
money
set
aside
for
St
Matthew’s,
together
with
extra
donations
from
the
congregation,
is
held
in
a
restricted
fund
ready
to
support
the
link
as
it
develops
in
future.
It
is
hoped
that
two
of
our
congregation
will
visit
Kimberley
in
2011
to
strengthen
the
link.
In
addition,
the
congregation
at
St
James
supports
a
number
of
Christian
charities
during
the
year
by
regular
special
appeals
as
follows:
Christian
Aid
during
Christian
Aid
week,
as
well
as
assisting
St
Mary
&
St
John
with
the
house
to
house
collection,
and
with
’One
card
on
the
tree’
during
Advent;
Royal
British
Legion
at
Remembrance
time;
Farm
Africa
or
Send
a
Cow
at
Harvest,
plus
collecting
produce
to
take
to
the
local
Reading
Drop
In
Centre
and
Women’s
Aid
Centre;
Operation
Christmas
Child
Shoebox
Appeal
jointly
with
the
Church
School
in
November;
collecting
new
toys
for
PACT
(Oxford
Diocese’s
Parents
&
Children
Together
charity)
in
early
December;
Children’s
Society
at
Christmas,
particularly
at
the
Christingle
service.
The
ethos
of
charitable
giving
is
encouraged
from
an
early
age.
The
Sunday
Club
sponsors
and
keeps
in
contact
with
a
child
in
India;
the
Fledgelings
and
the
Youth
Group
both
regularly
give
away
some
of
their
subscriptions
to
charities.
The
recent
Youth
Panto
raised
money
for
Great
Ormond
Street
Hospital
Children’s
Charity.

16
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

9.3 Finance
St
James'
accounts
for
2009
show
Unrestricted
Funds
income
of
£161,918,
of
which
£71,714
was
gift-­‐aided
donations
and
the
related
tax
recovered
and
£27,435
was
income
from
investments.
The
Unrestricted
Expenditure
for
2009
was
£163,251;
of
which
the
2009
Parish
Share,
which
was
paid
in
full,
was
£77,608.
St
Mary
&
St
Johns'
accounts
for
2009
show
Unrestricted
Funds
income
of
£59,668,
of
which
£40,347
was
gift-­‐aided
donations
and
the
related
tax
recovered.
The
total
expenditure
was
£58,973;
the
Diocesan
Parish
Share,
which
was
paid
in
full,
was
£42,361.
A
copy
of
the
most
recent
published
accounts
for
each
church
will
be
forwarded
to
all
short-­‐
listed
candidates,
and
can
be
supplied
on
request.
9.4 Service
Times
St
Mary
and
St
John
St
James

James’
Church
was
closed
for
conservation
work
from
9th
August
2009
to
March
2010.
As
at
the
end
of
November
26
weddings
for
the
two
parishes
are
booked
for
2011.
18
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

20
A Profile of the Parishes of St James Finchampstead and St Mary and St John California

9.8 Relevant
Websites
9.8.1 Our
Websites
stjames.finchampstead.co.uk
–
The
main
St
James
web
site.
www.smsj.org.uk
-­‐
The
main
St
Mary
and
St
John
web
site.
www.achurchnearyou.com/finchampstead-­‐st-­‐james/
-­‐
The
St
James
page
on
the
Church
Near
You
site.
www.achurchnearyou.com/california-­‐st-­‐mary-­‐st-­‐john/
-­‐
The
St
Mary
and
St
John
page
on
the
Church
Near
You
site.
9.8.2 Oxford
Diocese
www.oxford.anglican.org
-­‐
The
main
Oxford
Diocesan
web
site.
www.sonningdeanery.com
-­‐
The
Sonning
Deanery
web
site.
9.8.3 Local
Politics
www.wokingham.gov.uk
-­‐
The
main
website
for
our
local
borough
council.
www.wokingham.gov.uk/planningcontrol/planning/masterplanning/
-­‐
An
extensive
section
on
the
current
borough
master
planning
process,
including
full
details
of
the
Arborfield
Garrison
Strategic
Development
Location.
www.phillip-­‐lee.com
-­‐
The
personal
web
site
of
Dr
Phillip
Lee,
the
Member
of
Parliament
for
the
Bracknell
Constituency
that
includes
Finchampstead.
www.finchampstead-­‐pc.gov.uk
-­‐
The
main
website
for
the
local
Parish
Council.
9.8.4 Finchampstead
Baptist
Church
www.finchampstead.com
-­‐
The
main
website
for
the
Finchampstead
Baptist
Church.
www.fbccentre.com
-­‐
The
separate
website
for
the
new
FBC
Centre.
9.8.5 Church
Groups
www.fledgelings.org.uk
-­‐
A
separate
site
for
the
Fledgelings.
www.finchampstead-­‐handbells.co.uk
-­‐
The
site
for
the
Finchampstead
Handbell
ringers.
9.8.6 Schools
www.school-­‐portal.co.uk/Grouphomepage.asp?GroupId=162839
-­‐
The
main
site
for
Finchampstead
CE
(Aided)
Primary
School.
www.gorseride-­‐inf.wokingham.sch.uk
-­‐
The
main
site
for
Gorse
Ride
Infant
School
and
Nursery.
www.gorseride-­‐jun.wokingham.sch.uk
-­‐
The
main
site
for
Gorse
Ride
Junior
School.
www.school-­‐portal.co.uk/GroupHomepage.asp?GroupID=45620
-­‐
The
main
site
for
Nine
Mile
Ride
Primary
School.
www.ranelagh.bracknell-­‐forest.sch.uk
-­‐
The
main
site
for
Ranelagh
School.
www.wellingtoncollege.org.uk
-­‐
The
main
web
site
for
Wellington
College.
21